Orderlies

About the Role

Orderlies provide essential support in healthcare facilities by assisting patients with their daily activities and ensuring a clean, comfortable environment.

Other Common Titles

  • Healthcare Aide
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Patient Care Assistant
  • Clinical Assistant
  • Health Care Worker

Typical Tasks

  • Assist patients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
  • Transport patients to different areas within the healthcare facility.
  • Monitor patients’ vital signs and report any changes to nursing staff.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization in patient rooms and common areas.
  • Provide emotional support and companionship to patients.
  • Assist medical staff during procedures when needed.
  • Help with patient mobility and transfers, using appropriate lifting techniques.

Notable People

  • Mary Eliza Mahoney The first African American to graduate from a nursing school in the U.S., she became a prominent figure in advocating for nursing as a profession.
  • Florence Nightingale Known as the founder of modern nursing, she changed how healthcare professionals are trained and helped establish nursing as a respected profession.

Recommended Resources

  • The Nursing Assistant's Handbook

    A comprehensive guide for nursing assistants detailing their roles, responsibilities, and best practices.

  • Orderly in the Healthcare Setting

    An informative resource for aspiring orderlies, including job expectations and training opportunities.

  • Nursing Career Insights Podcast

    A podcast discussing various nursing careers, featuring stories from nursing assistants and other healthcare professionals.